Centennial
President’s Medal Recipients
Many people have been part of the proud history of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) and Salus University. Alumni, faculty, and friends of the College helped establish PCO as a pioneer and leader in the field of optometric education and the profession of optometry. The following people - highlighted on Medal Mondays - were honored on May 20, 1995 at the 75th Anniversary Gala Celebration for their outstanding contributions to the College and the field of optometry and vision care.
During the weekend of the Centennial Gala Celebration, additional alumni, faculty, and friends were honored.
William G. Walton, Jr., OD '40, FAAO
Through his long-time dedication and commitment to the College, Dr. Walton touched the lives of many students and faculty. He served on the faculty for a short period of time in 1941 and 1942, returning in 1945 to later become Professor of Optometry. In 1983, Dr. Walton was named Professor Emeritus. Throughout his career, he held many College positions including the Director of Clinics, Director of Institutional Affairs, and Executive Assistant to Presidents Wallis and Wolfberg. In 1965, Dr. Walton established the College’s first Extern Program. He served as Executive Secretary of the Alumni Association from 1964 to 1984. Dr. Walton served on the Board of Directors of the Better Vision Institute from 1959 to 1977 and was on the boards of several organizations serving the blind from 1971 to 1986. He was President of the Philadelphia County Optometric Society and the Pennsylvania Optometric Association. In 1984, Dr. Walton was presented with an Award of Merit by the Alumni Association. Upon his retirement in 1985, a scholarship was established in his honor.
Check out this short film, recorded in 1938, which tells the story of Dr. Walton telling his father, William G Walton, Sr. OD, about his desire to follow in his footsteps and become an optometrist. Watch as he tours the Old Main campus of the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry (PSCO, later shortened to Pennsylvania College of Optometry), visits PSCO found, Dr. Albert Fitch and later opens his own practice.
